But just because those pesky rumors are false doesn't mean the deal won't be done. If all goes well, cyclists could still start their race in 2012 by weaving around the monuments of the U.S. capital. Like the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia covers more than
2,000 miles in several stages.

This year's edition of the Giro will start in the Netherlands, then cyclists will fly to Italy for the remainder of the competition.